Optical properties of transparent Dy3+ doped Ba2TiSi2O8 glass ceramic

The Ba2TiSi2O8 is a well known piezoelectric, ferroelectric and non-linear crystal. Nanocrystals of Ba2TiSi2O8 doped with 1.5 Dy3+ have been obtained by thermal treatment of a precursor glass and their optical properties have been studied. X-ray diffraction patterns and optical measurements have been carried out on the precursor glass and glass ceramic samples. The emission spectra corresponding to the Dy3+: 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 (575 nm), 4F9/2 → 6H11/2 (670 nm) and 4F9/2 → 6H9/2 (757 nm) transitions have been obtained under laser excitation at 473 nm. These measurements confirm the incorporation of the Dy3+ ions into the Ba2TiSi2O8 nanocrystals which produces an enhancement of luminescence at 575 nm. At this wavelength has been demonstrated a maximum optical amplification around 1.9 cm−1 (∼8.2 dB/cm).

Research highlights
► The Ba2TiSi2O8 is a piezoelectric, ferroelectric and non-linear crystal.
► Nanocrystals of Ba2TiSi2O8 doped with 1.5 Dy3+ were obtained by thermal treatment.
► A maximum optical amplification around 1.9 cm−1 was found at 575 nm.
► Emission spectra corresponding to the Dy3+ transitions were obtained and studied.